SECO Energy is warning members of thieves posing as utility personnel, knocking on doors, and robbing unsuspecting consumers at gunpoint during Hurricane Irma.

Florida Power and Light (FPL) customers, and Marion County residents have been approached by thieves dressed as utility workers. The thieves knock on the door, and then rob the residents at gunpoint.

Please be very cautious if you receive a knock on your door during Hurricane Irma. By Sunday evening, wind speeds will approach 100 mph in SECO’s service area and SECO personnel will not be in the field restoring power. Also, many counties in Central Florida are under a curfew, almost no one except law enforcement and first responders should be out and about.

Scammers and thieves run rampant during and after hurricane restoration. Utility customers should never accept restoration services from anyone other than their electric utility personnel. There are possibly thousands of line and tree trimming contractors in the state prepared to restore power after Hurricane Irma. All SECO visiting line and tree crews trucks’ are clearly marked with “SECO Energy Authorized Contractor” signage.

Also, helpful in avoiding scams and dangers is to not accept restoration or tree trimming assistance from someone who is asking for payment on the spot and is not a SECO employee or contractor. Under no circumstances would SECO ask for payment in the field during a restoration event. Do not attempt to reconnect services yourself.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.